India today successfully test-fired its short-range nuclear capable ballistic missile Agni-1 with a strike range of over 700 km from a test range off the Odisha coast. Defence officials said the indigenously developed surface-to-surface missile was launched as a part of a periodic training activity by the Strategic Forces Command of the Army to consolidate operational readiness.
The state-of-the-art missile was launched around 8.30 am from a mobile launcher at of the Integrated Test Range at the Dr Abdul Kalam Island. Describing the trial a complete success, they said that all the mission objectives were met during the test.
The missile, which has already been inducted into the armed forces, has proved its performance in terms of range, accuracy and lethality. Weighing around 12 tonnes, the 15-metre-long Agni-I can carry payloads up to 1,000 kg and is capable of hitting a target beyond 700 km. The missile is also capable of carrying nuclear warheads.
